Tales to Live is run by Shagun and Riddhi. We have traveled to different places and it has left lasting memories and that's what we want to create for others. With Tales to Live, we wanted to be able to offer such memorable experiences and that's why each of the properties has been handpicked, usually self built, decorated with an eye for detail and specifically located at peaceful locations.

The Jod-Tod Qila (JTQ) is a luxurious mud cottage that is nothing short of a piece of hand-sculpted art. Experience living in a real Hobbit House, complete with a round wooden door, living green roof, walls made of earth and surprising nooks and niches all over. The cottage is a 900 mtr easy hike from the road. There is a mountain spring flowing next to the backyard garden. We are a permaculture farm, located inside the Naina Devi bird conservation forest. The cottage is a part of the acclaimed Geeli Mitti Centre of Excellence for sustainable living solutions, permaculture and extensive natural buildings built of earth, lime, stone, bamboo, wood...And yet the cottage feels completely separate from the campus, private and peaceful. The space is 20 kms away from the main Nainital city and 5 kms away from Pangot. There is common street-side parking about 900 metres away from the property. From there, it's an easy hike of 15-20 mins. Ensure that you reach by 4 p.m. The cottage has a full-size round bed with provision for an extra mattress on the carpet. The attached organically-shaped bathroom has hot and cold water available 24/7. You will have a study table and chair for a workcation, and spacious window seats to admire the mountain views. There is a separate shared kitchen space where you can cook your own meals. Provisions can be ordered from Nainital with a day's notice. Breakfast will be provided complimentary. Simple home-cooked vegetarian lunch/dinner is also available for Rs. 300 pp. Lunch time is 1 p.m. and dinner is 7 p.m., unless you want to cook yourself. There is no broadband internet facility available in the region. Jio, Vi and BSNL networks work, but not Airtel. There can be unexpected power outages however, emergency lights, candles and mobile chargers are available. Paid experiences are also available with prior notice and subject to availability. One of us from Geeli Mitti will be available to help check-in and give a tour.

We are in the middle of a typical mountain rural village so lots of friendly neighbors around who can be seen farming, tending to their cattle and goats, getting firewood, inviting you in for a cup of tea...life is idyllic :) There are several trails through the village and surrounding forest, all enchanting and inviting one to explore and take in the farming fields, the traditional Kumaoni lifestyle and the woodlands and streams. At the same time, there will be insects and wildlife as expected in any natural ecologically rich space. Do bring along your essential toiletries, medicines, snacks and drinks. Remember, there are no departmental stores or wine shops around so ordering anything will take a day. There are no restaurants or cafes within walking distance. And that means no traffic noise, pollution or crowded eyesores to spoil the view. You can ofcourse simply drive down or book a taxi to go to Pangot (5 kms) or Nainital city or Bhowali (1 - 1.5 hrs) for a range of eating out options and typical tourist attractions. There are also shared village taxis that run at fixed times daily to and from Nainital. Being a rural location in the mountains, check-in is only possible until 5 pm. Thereafter, no porter help is available for luggage or to help guide the way from the roadhead to the Cottage. Someone will be there at the campus to help with check-in.